The Sport Matrix: Monday 24 November 2014

Taylor beats Yin to reach world final

Ireland’s Katie Taylor booked her spot in the 60kg final after seeing off China’s Yin Junhua at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Jeju City, South Korea, yesterday.

Taylor, who moved past Russia’s Sofya Ochigava on Friday, continued her path towards five successive golds with victory over Yin.

The Chinese ringside threw in the towel at the beginning of the fourth round, with Taylor setting up a final against Azerbaijan’s southpaw Yana Alekseevna.

The Olympic gold medallist told the International Boxing Association website: “I am looking forward to the challenge tomorrow.”

Federer seals cup victory for Swiss

Roger Federer clinched the Davis Cup for Switzerland yesterday, defeating Richard Gasquet in straight sets to give his side an unassailable 3-1 lead. The 33-year-old, who just a week ago pulled out of the final of the World Tour Finals in London with a back injury, said the triumph was “one for the boys”. He added: “I’ve won enough in my career that I don’t need this to complete everything or to tick off a box.”

McIlroy: I’m wiser after tough year

Rory McIlroy picked up the Race to Dubai trophy and admitted the pressure he faced this year had been tough. “I feel I came through this year stronger and wiser and can go into 2015 in a much better place,” said McIlroy, who had split with Caroline Wozniacki and endured a legal dispute.

Spurs seal late win over 10-man Hull

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was left relieved after his side sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 away win over 10-man Hull. Jake Livermore gave the hosts the lead before Harry Kane levelled and Christian Eriksen hit a late winner for Spurs, who were helped by Gaston Ramirez’s red card. Pochettino praised his side’s efforts after the interval, saying: “We had better quality and were more aggressive.”

Ramprakash sees England promise

England’s new batting coach Mark Ramprakash has said he is impressed by the squad’s togetherness. “I have been pleasantly surprised because I think we have a group here that are communicating very well as players,” he said, after the last warm-up match was abandoned due to rain. “They’re learning off each other, they’re not afraid to talk to each other and they are open to discussing ideas.”